Method and apparatus for sorting strip stock



July 14, 1936. w. PECHY 2,047,221

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING STRIP STOCK Filed June 25, 1930 4 shetsheet 1 Q nl' mmm im w?? A n) 3 Anm@ |"llml- A A' A -Wg@ rin July 14, 1936. w, PECHY 2,047,221

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING STRIP STOCK Filed June 25, 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Nig* w A INWTO W. PECHY July 14, 1936.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING STRIP STOCK Filed June 25, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 W, PECHY July 14, 1936.

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING STRIP STOCK Filed June 25, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 QNNN'H Patented July 14, 1936 v METHOD AND APPAaA'rUs Foa soa'rmG s'riur s'rocx William Pechy, Elizabeth, N. J., assignor to American Can Company, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New Jersey Application June 25, 1930, Serial No. 463,710

14 Claims.

The present invention relates in general to a `method and apparatus for sorting strip stock in accordance with surface conditions and has particular reference to the detection and indication of Waster spots or other imperfections in the surface of tinplate or other material and the automatic sorting of articles made from the strip.

Tinplate such as is used in the manufacture 'of tin cans and the like is now being commercially manufactured in strip form, a continuous roll or reel constituting the product as shipped from the tinplate mills. The present invention is primarily directed to an inspecting and sorting method and apparatus, the functions of which are iniiuenced by the surface conditions existing on such strip material. Unlike the inspecting and sorting of sheets, which may be individually retained or rejected according to their surface conditions, the sorting of continuous strip material involves first the discovery of an imperfection and second, the automatic sorting out of the article produced from that portion of the Vstrip containing the imperfection.

I'he principal object of the present invention is the provision of a method and apparatus for inspecting surface conditions of a strip and sorting cut portions of the strip in accordance with such surface conditions.

An important object of the invention is the provision of a method for subjecting strip stock to a surface detecting operation thence to an imperfection indicating or indexing operation and nally to a sorting operation accomplished in accordance with said indexing.

An important object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus for automatically inspecting surfaces of strip stock and locating the position of such imperfections and further, the provision of automatic mechanism for inspecting surface conditions of a strip, indenting the strip adjacent imperfections in its surface and utilizing the indentations to permit sorting and segregating of imperfect articles cut from the strip.

A further important object of the invention is the provision of a highly sensitive apparatus capable of detecting spots and imperfections of small dimension on the surface of the strip and thereafter impressing indicating marks in the strip for locating the imperfections. p

A further important object of the invention is the provision of an apparatus utilizing a con-f tinuously operating mechanism for inspecting and indenting a continuously moving strip adjacent imperfections therein as determined by the inspection.

A still further important object of the invention is the provision of an improved apparatus for cutting articles from a 'continuous previously inspected strip and separating the articles having perfect surfaces from those which contain surface imperfections.

The invention contemplates the provision of a series of inter-connected electrical circuits operating through suitable surface inspecting, strip indenting, article forming and article sorting devices for automatically sorting articles made from the strip inaccordance With surface conditions.

The invention further contemplates the provision of electrical \circuits and timing elements operating in connection with suitable devices for automatically sorting articles made from strip stock by first determining the surface condition of the strip and sorting in accordance therewith, the timing elements insuring proper restoration of the electrical circuits in exact synchronism withl the various operations after the different circuit operations have taken place.

Numerous other objects of the invention will be apparent as it is better understood from the following description, which, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment thereof.

Referring to the drawings:--

Figure 1 is a schematic showing of an apparatus capable of carrying out the present invention illustrating partly in front elevation and partly in section certain essential mechanisms.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of a strip capable of utilization in the apparatus shown in Fig. l, certain;k operations being indicated thereon.

Fig. 3 is a front to back sectional view of the press mechanism illustrated in Fig. l and taken substantially along the line 3-3 in that figure.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional detail taken substantially along the line 4-4 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view similar to Fig. 4 some of the movable elements being shown in a different position. y

Fig. 6 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view taken through a portion of the strip and through the surface inspecting, strip indenting devices and associated parts.

Fig. '7 is an enlarged sectional view taken through the article cutting device, through its associated discharge chutes and through the actuating devices connected therewith.

siiownin. elevation and. taken substantially along I sheet material is fed from a reel or roll.

Fig. sie en enlarged seenen'al view, parte the line 3 3 in Fig. 1.

rug. 9 is an enlarged sectional detau taken substantially along the line 9-9 in Fig. 3.

vFig. 10 is a wiring diagram illustrating thev electrical circuits utilized in the performance of the various steps` of the present invention, cer-fr tain mechanical elements being indicated without regard to relative positions.

The apparatus shown in the drawings comprises a table over which a continuous stri'jli'hif s strip passes adjacent light sensitive detectingdevices utilizing beams of light which are thrown onto and reflected from the surfaces of the strip. The reflected light beams pass into photo-electric or light sensitive cells which operate; upon a diminution of reflected light occasioned by the passing of a surface imperfection in the strip, to actuate an electrical solenoid.

Action of the solenoid projects outwardly a series of indenting dies carried by a rotating member and indentations are thereby formed along one edge of the strip adjacent the imperfection in its surface. The first of these indentations issomewhat in advance of the imperfection and the indenting operation started by the cell continues for a short timeirrespectlve of the presence or absence of pwaster spots immediately following. This continuation of operation provides indentations both before and after the imperfection. The indenting action is tenninated when the ilrst indentation reaches and engages an electrical switch, the solenoid at that time being deenergized and the indenting dies being then no longer projected.

The indented strip may then be conveyed into another section of the same machine or into another machine either immediately following the indenting operation or at a later time. 'I'his second section may embody a press mechanism for cutting articles vfrom the strip and forming 'them into suitable shape. This isV the type of mechanism selected to illustrate the invention. but other alternate forms-of devices may be used and successive articles are cut one at a time with each operation of the press, any `indentations in the edge of `the strip being engaged by a device carried upon a suitable press part. When the device is engaged by an indentation, a discharge:

chute associated with the cutting members is shifted from its normal discharge position into a. position where the articlesas cut `from or adjacent to the imperfect portionsof the strip are directed into suitable separate places of deposit. There is thus eiected a sorting of the perfect from the imperfect articles as they are removed from the strip. e

The mechanism of the apparatus disclosed in the drawings may be divided, for the purposes of thepresent description, intotwo general sections and the. operations associated with each section will be grouped as far as possible. The

first section comprises the feeding of the strip of material along a predetermined path, the inspecting of its surfaces and the indenting thereof adjacent any surface imperfections. The indentedv strip may then be stored if desired, as previously e aomaai with side frames 40 guided through idler rollers pair of housings 1| suggested, the imperfectlona 'being vpermanentlyregistered or'indexed therein. l,

The strip 'stock may consist voiga continuous web 2| (Fig. 1),., wound on ya central shaft 22 in the form of a roll'or reel 23, which may be suitably supported in uprights `24y resting'uponfthe floor. The strip 2| as fed'from the yreel passes through directing rollers 2,5 secured to parallel shafts 26 carried in brackets 21 projected from upright frames 28 resting upon the floor and supporting a horizontal table 29.

The detecting and indenting devices are sup-l ported upon the table 29 and the'strip 2| is moved over its upper surface by an upper feeding roller 3| and a cooperating lowerroller 32. Roller 3| I (Figs. 4 and 5) is secured to a horizontal shaft 33 journalcd in bearings 34 supported on the table 29.

- The lower roller 32 is mounted upon a horizontal shaft 35 journaled in bearings 36 carried by and positioned beneath the table 29. Uniform rotation of the shafts 33 and 35 and their respective rollers 3| and 32 is insured by the use of a spur gear 31 keyed to the shaft 33 and meshing with a similar gear 39 keyed to the 2 shaft 35.

The press parts of the apparatus, these forming the second section previously referred to, may comprise a standard type of supporting legs 39 (Fig. 1) resting upon the floor and connected 3 tied together by a press bed usual type of bolster plate 42. 40 support a crankshaft 43 in 4| carrying the 'Ihe side frames bearings 44.

The roller shaft 33 (Figs. 1 and 4) is adapted 3` to receive rotation from the rotating crankshaft 43, the latter for this purposecarrying a sprocket 45 over which operates a chain 46 passing at its lower end over a sprocket 41mounted on a horizontal shaft 48. This shaft which forms a conl nectin'g link between the two machine sections is journaled in a bracket 49 mounted on a feed table 5| carried by the press bed 4| and in a -lbracket 52 carried by the table 29.

Y The shaft 49 carries a bevel gear 5.3 which 4 meshes with a similar gear 54 secured to one end of the-shaft 33. By means of the described connection, the feeding rollers 3| and 32 advance the strip 2| over the table 29 in a continuous and uniform rate of travel and in synchronism with 5i the operation of the press mechanism.

The table 29 (Fig. 1) is provided with a central opening 6| in which the detecting device and feedingv rollers 3| and 32 are located. The strip 2| after! passing through the feeding rollers is 51 e 62 and 63 mounted on parallel shafts 64 and 65 journaled in bearings 66 and 61 carried by the table 29.

The strip surface detecting device embodies a of identical construction, oneA60 mounted above and one below the table. Thus positioned one detecting unit is above and one beneath the strip as it advances through the machine. Each housing 1| encloses a source of light which may utilize an electric light 12 (see 65 also Fig. 6) having its rays of light concentrated in a `beam of light indicated by the dotted lines 13, this light'passing through suitable lenses 14 which focus the beam and project it at an angle to the strip, one beam striking the upper and 70 tble1 other beam striking the lower surface of the s p.

Each housing 1| encloses a chamber 15 in which is located one or more photo sensitive cells 16 suitably connected inelectrical circuits herein- 75 after described. The light as reflected from the Isurface of the strip 2| passes into the cells 18.

Any imperfection in the surface of the strip proa time is sufficiently reduced to influence the flow of the electrical current connected with the cell and control the action of a solenoid connected with indenting instrumentalities. The indenting devices will first be considered. y

The roller 3| is provided with a circumferential groove 8| (Figs. 4, 5 and 6) near one end of the roller, so located as to be adjacent one edge of the strip 2| during its passage beneath the roller. The roller'32 is provided with a central bore 82 in which slides a wedge member 83 having a conical wedging surface 84 and having a horizontal stem 85 projecting into a solenoid 8S secured to the table 29. Y The stern end forms the core of the solenoid. Sliding of the core and the wedge membei` 83 in one direction takes place whenever the solenoid 86 is energized, this being the solenoid controlled by the photo-electric cells 18. A spring 19 located inside of the solenoid 88 surrounds the stem 85 and acts against a collar 88 on the stem to slide it and the member 83 in the opposite direction when the solenoid is deenergized.

As the wedge member 83 moves from the position illustrated in Fig. 4 into the position illus--v trated in Fig. 5, its conical surface 84 engages tapered faces 81 of radially disposed indenting pins 88 sliding in radial slots 89 formed in the roller 32. Each pin 88 is providedwith a slot 9| in which projects one end of a holding' pin 92 carried by the roller 32. This construction permits radial movement of the pin 88 and prevents its displacement from the roller 32.

The pins 88 are thus carried in a circular path of travel by the rotating roller 32 and are positioned directly opposite the annular groove 8| formed in the roller 3|. With the vpins 88 projected outwardly (Fig. 5) the outer end of each as it comes into engagement with the strip 2|, presses a portion of the strip into the groove 8| forming an indentation 93 (Figs. 2 and 6) in the edge of the strip. This indenting operation begins as a waster spot or other imperfection, indicated by the numeral 94 in Fig. 2, passes through the beam of light 13.

When the solenoid 88 is deenergized, the stem 85 is released and moves toward the left under action of the spring 19 (Figs. 4 and 5) and the wedging surface 84 of the member 83, being removed irom its expanding position relative to the pins 88, permits the latter, as they engage the strip 2|, to move back into the roller 32.

It is advantageous as a feature of safety that the solenoid 86 be energized for a length of time suiicient to impress more than one indentation 93 in the strip 2| and this is provided for in the electrical solenoid circuit hereinafter described.

The indenting operation continues until the rst indentation (Fig. 6) reaches an interrupting switch 95 mounted upon the table 29 and embodied in the electrical solenoid circuit. At such time a roller 98, forming a part of the switch mechanism is engaged by theforward indentation and the switch 95 is moved to open position deenergizing the solenoid 88. A description of this action from an electrical standpoint will at present be reserved until the further mechanical features of the apparatus have been described.

As illustrated in Fig. l, the strip 2| is preferably permitted to sag between the two units of the machine and the loop thus formed permits continuous strip feeding through the rst unit and J intermittent strip feeding through the press mechanism.

The advantage of this action is obvious when 'it is recalled that the cutting action of a press is intermittent. The strip 2| is moved across the feed table 5| and between the cutting members of the press by means of feeding rollers disclosed in detail in'Flg. 8. There is accordingly provided an upper roller |8| mounted on a horizontal shaft |82 journaled for rotation in bearingsv |83 carried by the table 5|. A lower feeding roller |84 cooperates with the roller |8| and is secured to a horizontal shaft |85 journaled in bearings |86 carried by the feed table 5|. A spur gear |81 keyed to the shaft |82 meshes with a similar gear |89 keyed to the shaft |85 and this insures uniform rotation of the rollers |8| and |84 to v:advance the strip 2| therebetween and over the table.

The rollers |8| and |84 are intermittently rotated by a pawl and ratchet device. The shaft |82 .carries a toothed ratchet wheel |89, the periphery of which is engaged by a pawl pivoted on a pin ||2 secured to the end, of an arm ||3 of a bellcrank lever |4 (see also Fig. 1) mounted upon one end. of the shaft |82 and pivotally connected at I5 to a rod I8 in turn connected in a universal joint ||1 to the face of a disc ||8 carried by the crankshaft 43.

Each rotation of the crankshaft 43 osoillates the bellcrank lever ||4 onI its shaft |82 and through the pawl and ratchet cooperation the shaft |82 is moved in one direction a given number of degrees. The return oscillation of the bellcrank lever |4 has no effect on the shaft |82 as the pawl at such time moves idly over the ratchet teeth in the usual manner. The roller |8| is provided with an annular groove |2| (Fig. 8) which permits passage of the indentations 93 through the rollers |8| and |84 without ironing out or altering them.

Immediately following each advance movement of the strip 2|, the press parts operate and the cutting members thereof remove the articles from the strip. These cutting members may comprise stationary lower die parts (Figs. 1 and 3) of the usual standard type herein designated generally by the numeral |25 and these are mounted upon the bolster plate 42. The movable die parts or punch members designated generally by the numeral |26 are carried on the lower end of a slide 21 connected with a pitman |28 to a crank |29 formed in the crankshaft 43.

As the members |28 move downwardly they cooperate with the members |25 to blank out and form an article from the strip. At the same time a feeler pad |3| (Figs. l and '7) moves downwardly toward the strip 2|. The pad |3| is carried on the lower end of a sliding stem |32 mounted in a tubular bracket |33 bolted to the slide |21.

The stem 32 is normally projected downwardly from the bracket and in this lowered position an upper enlarged end |34 thereof rests upon a bushing |35 carried in the bracket |33, this position being normally maintained by a spring |38 surrounding the lower end of the stem |32 and confined between the end of the bushing |35 and the pad |3|.

The bracket |33 also carries a block |31 which is embedded in an insulating bushing |38. When the pad |3| is in its projected position, the upper end of its stem is spaced from the lower end of the block |31. The pad is carried bodily with the slide |21 and if there is a projection 93 directly beneath as the pad moves downwardly, the increased height of the projection above the upper surface of the strip is sufllcient to arrest movement of the pad before the slide is fully lowered.

The padA |3| engaged by the projection is held as the block |31 continues downwardly with the slide whereupon the lower end of the block |31 engages the upper end of the stem |32 and completes an electrical circuit connecting with a solenoid |4| (Figs. 3 and 7) bolted to a side frame of the press. The solenoid |4| is provided with a core member |42 pivotally connected at |43 to an upper chute |45 and at |44 to a lower chutel |46. Both chutes |45 and |46 pivot near their lower ends on rods |41 and |48, the rods being suspended between the side frames 40 and held in brackets |50.

The chute members |45 and |46 are adapted to be moved on their respective pivots |41 and |48 into one of two positions. When the solenoid |4| is energized, this being at the time an indentation 93 is opposite that part of the strip being cut bythe cutting members, the two chutes are held in raised position. The lower chute |46 is then in position (Fig. 7) for discharging the cut article, the articles. being suitably removed from the cutting members as they separate.

When the solenoid |4| is deenergized, this being I at a time when no projection is present adjacent the area of the sheet being cut, the-upper chute |45 is in position (Fig. 3) to receive and discharge the cut articles.

'Ihe chute |45 communicates with a suitable place of deposit which may be a box |49 resting upon the floor and adapted to receive the articles having perfect surfaces and in a similar manner a box |5| is provided for articles having surfaces passed by the` previously described mechanisms as imperfect and which discharge by way of the chute |46.

It will be understood that the pad |3| engages a projection 93 inthe strip 2| only when the pad is practically at the end of its lowermost travel and the resulting energizing of the solenoid |4| andthe shifting of thechute members takes place while the cutting members are separating, this being in suillcient time to catch* the article when it is discharged from the cutting members.

Reference should now be had to Fig. 10, whichA cuits which may be utilized in carrying out the present invention. 'Ihese different circuits will be arbitrarily named as far as possible in accordance with the operations performed as it is believed such a procedure will assist in distinguishing the circuitsl one from another. It will be understood that at all times there is a. very close connection between many of the circuits and that in some instances, separation of circuits is more or less theoretical.

Any suitable form of photo sensitive cell may be utilized and the electrical circuit connecting therewith may be of any usual and preferred type. The use of such a circuit being merely incidental to this invention, a detailed description of it will not be undertaken. There are indicated two wires |6| and |62 connecting with the cells 16. These wires lead into the necessary amplifying unit used in connection with photo electric cells of this nature. the numeral |63 diagrammatically indicating all that is necessary for an understanding of the present invention. 'I'his unit may be suitably housed in a casing carried on a 'a wire |16 passing bracket |64 (Fig. 1) mounted upon the frame 28.

A contact |66 and a. wire |66 delivers the amplied output to a grid |61 of a glow tube |68 of standard construction. This tube wlllbe used as an electric valve and is used because of the 5 relatively slow restoring properties of such a device A wire |69 leading from the amplifier unit |63 is grounded at |1| and this, together with the wire |65, will provide the path for what will be termed the glow tube valve circuit." 10

An element |12 ofthe glow tube |68 is connected with a wire |13 passing to a contact |14 and an element |15 of the tube is connected with to acontact |11. Thevcontact |14 is connected to a wire |18 leading into l5 a suitable source of energy which may be a battery |19 while a wire 8| is connected to the opposite side of the battery |19 and a coil |82 of a relay |83, the opposite end f the coil being connected by a wire |84 to the contact |11.

As long as the full strength of light is received in the light sensitive cells, the tube |68 is maintained by its glow tube valve circuit in condition to prevent flowing of Va current through the tubeand between its elements |12 and |16. If 25 a surface imperfection, however, passes through the light beam and the volume oi' light reaching any of the light sensitive cells is reduced, the valve action on the grid |61 breaks down and it no longer performs its current resisting function. 30

Current thereupon flows from the battery |19 along wire |8|, through the coil |82, along wires |84 and |16, through the glow tube |68 by passing between the elements |15 and |12 thereof thence by wires |13 and |18 back to the source 35 of energy this constituting what will be termed a "relay circuit. The coily |82 is thereupon energized and the relay |83, which functions as a double switch, moves elements |85 and |86 thereof into connection with respective contacts |81 and |88 connected by wires |89 and |8| with a wire |92. The wire |92 is connected at one end with the switch 95 and the opposite side of the switch is connected by a wire |93 to a main lead line |94. 45

The element |85 is involved in another electrical circuit which will be termed a preparing circuit since it prepares for the establishment of other circuits. This element is connected by a wire'i95 to a coil |96 of a relay switch |91. The opposite side of the coil |96 is connected by a wire |98 to one end of la coil |99 of a second relay switch 20| involved in still other circuits, the opposite end of the coil |99 being connected by a wire 202 to the moving element |86 of the relay |83.

With the contact |81 closed, the preparing circuit is established and current iiows from the lead line |94y through the wire |93 into the switch 95, which is normally closed atJ the time the relay |83 is energized. This, it will be recalled, takes place only when a surface imperfection of the sheet is registered by the photo sensitive cell. 'I'he current flows through the switch 95, through the wires |92 and |89, through contact 65 |81 and relay element |85, through wire |95, coil |96, into wire I 98 and thence by a wire 203 and a wire 204 back to a main lead wire 205 on the opposite side from, the lead wire |94.

Flowing of the current in the preparing circuit and through the coil |96 energizes the latter and operatesthe relay |91 to close a contact 206 which will be utilized in an indenting cir cuit and a contact 201 utilized ,in a "holding cir- 75 cui These contacts are closed by means of a sliding element 208 forming part of the relay.

The relay element 208 is connected by a wire 209 with the wire |62 and upon closing of the contact 201, part of the current iiowing through the wire |92 in the preparing circuit is diverted into the wire 209, through the element 208, contact 291, coil |96, wires |98, 203 and 204, back to the source of energy 205 forming the holding circuit just referred to. This circuit maintains the current passing through the coil |96 and holds the relay |91 closed.

l passing of an imperfection and the consequent light reduction in the light sensitive cells is only momentary, the flowing of the current in the relay circuit and through the coil |82 is of short duration.

The period during which the relay |83 is held closed and time during which the preparing circuit controlled thereby is maintained are only of short duration and this necessitates the establishment of the holding circuit. It should be pointed out, however, that the recovery of the glow tube |68 is sufiiciently slow in its action to insure full establishment of the holding circuit and ccntinuance of the energizing of the coil |96 before the relay |83 is restored to open position.

Simultaneously with the establishment o1 the preparing circuit, upon the closing of the relay |93, electrical current flows through the closed contact |98, this producing an auxiliary preparing circuit since this circuit prepares certain switches for further action. This current ilows from the main lead wire |94 along wire |93, through the switch 95, closed at such a time, along wires |92 and |9i, through the contact |88, thence through the element |86 and wire 292 into the coil |99, thence by wires |98, 203 and 204, back to the lead wire 205.

As the coil |99 is energized, the relay 20| opl erates by means of a moving element 2|4 therein to completea restoring circuit at a contact 2| 5 which is connected by a wire 2|6 to the wire |92 and at a contact 2|1 connecting with a wire 2|8 which is connected to a coil 2|9 oi a relay controlling the contacts |16, 666 and |111.

The opposite end of the coil 259 is connected byA a wire 22| to the wire 204.

The restoring circuit is thus established and electrical energy passes from the wire E94, through wire |93, switch 95, wires |92, 2|6, contact 2|5, element 2|4 of the relay 20|, thence through contact 2|1, wire 2|8, through the coil 2|9, wires 22| and 204, back to the lead line 205. This flow of current energizes the coil 2|9 and moving elements thereof operate to break the three lines |18, i65 and |84 at the contacts |14, |99 and |11 and restore the glow tube |68 to its normal condition. Since the coil |99 is energized for only a short period the breaking of the threecontacts is only momentary.

After the relay |83 and the relay 20| have performed their work and have returned to normal open position the relay 591 remains closed, being held by the energized coil |96 in the holdf ing circuit. This maintains the indenting circuit referred to and inthis circuit there is a wire 225 connected to the contact 206 and leading to one side of the indenting solenoid 86, the opposite side being connected by a wire 226 to the lead line 205.

The current flowing through the indenting circuit passes from the wire |94, through wire |93, switch and wires |92 and 209, through Inasmuch as the,

the element 208, contact 208 and wire 228, into the solenoid 86 and thence by wire 226 back to the lead wire 205. As long as the solenoid 86 is energized, as previously described, the indent- "ing operation is taking place on the strip 2| 5 and this will continue as long as the coil |96 is energized and the contacts 206 and 201 closed.

They-first indentation 93 engaging the roller 96 of the switch 95 breaks the current passing through both the holding circuits and the lndenting circuit whereupon the coil |96 releases the relay |91 and deenergizes the solenoid 86 stopping the indenting action.

It will be evident that the time allowed, for the indenting operation depends entirely upon the distance between the indenting feed rollers 3| and 32 and the switch roller 96. The waster spot 94, however, may be located at any position on the strip relative to the space outlining the portion which will subsequently be removed in 20 the formation of an article. For example, in the present embodiment of the invention. the beam of light 13 detects a waster spot 94 approximately one and one-half article spaces (designated by the dotted line circles in Fig. 2) from the rst 25 indentation93. This means that the first spot 93 may be opposite the center of an article space or may be in front orin back of the center. This position of the indentations relative to ad= jacent spaces eiects the subsequent sorting oi the 30 articles after cutting, as will be further explained.

In actual practice, a surface imperfection is a great exception to the general rule and while the present apparatus indents one and a half or more spaces ahead of an imperfection and 35 while a number of articles cut adjacent a waster spot are sorted as bad, throughout the days run, the total number of articles rejected is in a very small ratio to the total number of articles formed from the strip. All of the articles passing into 40 the waster pile or box l5! can, therefore, be readily inspected by an operator andthose articles having perfect surface conditions may be easily recovered. l

The electrical circuits utuized for' control or 45 the discharge chutes H45 and |86 by means of their operating solenoid 54| will now be considered and reference should again be had to Fig. 10. Provision is made for holding the waster chute i46 in discharge position (after it has once been 50 placed there by electrical circuits controlled by the indentations) until all of the articles cut adjacent a set of indentations have been removed. This prevents shifting of the chutes for each stroke of/the press. The holding device comprises an intermittently moving ratchet mechanism controlled by an electrical solenoid. s This ratchet mechanism is illustrated in detail in Fig. 9 and comprises a horizontal shaft 23| mounted for rotation in a boss 232 formed in one of the side frames 40 of the press.v The shaft 23| is held in position by a nut 233 and carries a disc 234' formed of some suitable insulating material. An outer circular contact ring 235 is embedded in the inner face of the disc 234 and a similar incomplete or split inner ring 236 is also embedded in the face of and carried by the disc. The two rings 235 and 236 are bridged as at 231, as indicated in Fig. 10.

Spring pressed contact buttons 238 and 239 are slideably mounted in insulated bushings anchored in the boss 232, the button 238 and ring 236 being an equal distance from the center of the shaft 23| while the button 239 and ring 75 235 are mutually spaced .from the shaft center. The button 238 under the influence of its spring is held in contact with the ring 236 except when its split portion passes adjacent at which time the button contacts the insulated disc 234. Button 233 under the action of` its spring, isv held in contact at all times with Athe face of the ring 235.

'I'he shaft 23| (Figs. 3, 9 and 10) carries a toothed ratchet wheel 24|, the teethof which are adapted to be engaged by a pawl 242 pivoted at 243 on an arm 244 loosely mountedon the shaft 23|. 'I'he pivot 243 also forms a connection for a rod 245 pivotally connected at 246 to a sliding core 241 of a solenoid 248 supported by a bracket 249 (Fig. 3) carried by the press frame 40.

A spring 25| (Fig. 10) is interposed between a wall ofthe solenoid-248 and a collar 252 carried on the core 241 which `normally forces the core' and rod 245 outwardly into the position illustrated in Figs. 3 and 10. It should'be explained that the showing in Fig. 10 of the parts just described is largely diagrammatic, the ratchet wheel 24| and associated parts having been separated from the disc 234 and its contact elements. This separation is made to more clearly differentiate between the parts, but in reality, (as clearly illustrated in Figs. 3 and 9) the disc `234 and the ratchet wheel 24| *are both mounted upon the shaft 23| adjacent each other.

'Ihe disc 234 of the chute holding elements and associated parts are adapted to remain normally in what may be termed, a neutral position, this being Where the space between the ends of the ring 236 (Fig. 10) is engaged by the button 238. If the pad 3| as it is lowered is engaged by an indentation 33, the electrical connection is closed between the parts |32 and |31 of the pad and two "setting circuits are established.

A wire 26| connects the wire 205 with the button 238 and a wire 262 connects the block |31l of the pad |3| with the wire 26|. The element |32 of the pad is connected by a wire 263 to a mechanical switch 264 having a contact 265 connected by a wire 266 with the solenoid 2,48. The opposite side of the solenoid is connected by a wire 261 to the lead wire |34.

The switch 264 is adapted to be closed only when the slide |21 is in its lowermost position. 'Ihe mechanism for actuating the switch is shown in detail in Fig. 1 and comprises a cam ring 21| mounted on the shaft 43 and having a projection 212 in one'face thereof. The switch 264 is similar in construction to the switch 35 and is provided with an actuating roller 213 which is momentarily engaged by the projection 212 of the cam ring 21|, this engagement closing the switch on each rotation of the crankshaft 43.

It willbe recalled that the position of a detected surface imperfection locates the first indentation and the first of a series of indentations may be Just out of the path of the descending pad |3|. In 'such an event the setting lcircuits will not be established on that stroke of the press but the next indentation on the following stroke will be within the path of travel of the descending pad |3I, and the contacts |32 and |31 will be closed (the switch 264 also being closed).

'I'he first of the, setting circuits established is a chute setting circuit since current passing therein energizes the solenoid |4| and moves the lower chute |46 into discharge position in ample time to catch the article cut from the strip at lmoves the pawl 242 back that stroke. The current\ for this circuit ilows from the wire 205, through wires 26|, 262, contacts |31 and |32, through the wire 263, then separating it flows along a wire 215, a wire 216 (connected between the solenoid |4'| and the but- 5 ton 233), through the solenoid |4|, thence by a wire 211 backto the feed line |34, thus completing the "chute setting circuit.

Simultaneously the second of the setting circuits is established, this being a time setting 10 circuit" since it sets the disc 234 on proper time while energizing the solenoid 248. Current for this circuit passes from the lead wire 285, through wires 26| and 262, through contacts |31 and 32, wire A263, switch 264 and contact 265,' wire 266, l5 through the solenoid 248-and wire 261, back to the lead line |34.

The solenoid 248 which is thus energized draws the core 241 thereof inwardly against the resistance of the spring 25| this action shifting the 20 arm 244 on its shaft 23| as well as partly rotating the ratchet wheel 24| which has a tooth engaged by the pawl 242 at such time. Six teeth are provided for the -ratchet wheel 24| and this insures a complete rotation of the shaft 23| in six 25 rotations of the crankshaft 43, this corresponding to six cutting operations of the press.

This energizing of the solenoid 248 causes the shaft 23| to move correspondingly through sixty degrees and to rotate the disc at the same time. 30 The rotation of the crankshaft, however, by reasonof the cam projection 212 operates the switch 264 and breaks the current in the time setting circul and a deenergizing of the solenoid takes place. This is after each step rotation of the shaft 35 23| and the solenoid spring 25| immediately into engagement with the next ratchet tooth. v

With the iirst partial rotation of the disc 234, the ring 236 is the contact button 238 and a chute holding circuit is thereupon established, this being for the purpose of preventing shifting of the chutes at each press stroke as previously mentioned. Current flows from the lead line 205, through the wire 45 26|, button 238, ring 236, bridge 231, ring 235, thence out by way of the button 233, wire 216, through the solenoid |4| and by way of the wire 211 back to the lead line |34. This chute holding circuit will keep the solenoid |4| energized 5 and the chute |46 in place as long as there is an electrical connection between the button 238 and the ring 236. a

'Ihe solenoid 248 will be of the press as long `as the current ilows through thesolenoid |4| and as long as the switch 264 is operating, this being independent of the position of the contacts |32 and |31 of the pad 3| The rst movement of the solenoid 248 during any one cycle of movements is eifected by the time setting circuit, as previously described and succeeding actions of the solenoid throughout the cycle are then brought about by a circuit which will be termed an "advancing circuit since it advances the disc intermittently. 'Ihe advancing circuit uses part of the wiring of the chute holding circuit current in the former circuit flowing from the lead line 235 through wire 26|, button 238, ring 236, bridge 231, ring 235, button 233, wires 216 and 215, switch 264, contact 265, wire 266, through the solenoid 248, thence by wire 261 back to the lead line |94. This circuit will be established ilve timesfor the cycle of movement selected in this present brought into engagement with 40 embodiment of the invention. 'I'he last movement of the shaft 23| brings the disc 234 into its neutral position where the button 238 is clear of the ring 238, the button then pressing against the insulated face of the disc in the space between the ends of the ring (Fig. 10). This position breaks the chute holding circuit" deenergizing the solenoid lll and allowing the chute |45 to move by gravity into discharge position. It also breaks the advancing circuit deenergizing the solenoid 24B and stopping rotation of shaft 23| and disc 234./ 1

It will be evident from the foregoing description that five articles are always discharged into the waster box |5| adjacent a surface imperfection 94 as indicated by the indentations 93 and while only one article may contain the imperfection, articles immediately adjacent are handled as imperfect merely as a safety measure to insure the sorting of the perfect articles. It willbe evident that any number of articles can be discharged at such a time, depending upon the num- -ber of teeth in the ratchet wheel 24|.

It is thought that theinvention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood from the foregoing description, and it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the parts without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its material advantages, the form hereinbefore described being merely a preferred embodiment thereof.

I claim: v

1. The method of sorting articles to be cut from strip stock for surface conditions, which comprises passing a strip through detecting devices, indexing the strip adjacent imperfections in the surface thereof as determined by the detecting devices, cutting articles from said strip and causing the segregation of the articles cut adjacent the indentations.

2. The method of sorting articles to be cut from strip stock, which comprises passing a strip through a beam of light and thereby reflecting it from the shiny parts of the strip into a light sensitive mechanism, indenting the strip adjacent non-shiny parts as determined by the light sensitive mechanism, cutting articles from said strip, and causing the separation of articles cut adjacent the indentations from the articles cut from other parts of the strip.

3. The method of sorting articles to be cut from strip stock, which comprises passing a strip having light reflecting parts through a beam of light and catching the reflected light beam in an electrical, light sensitive mechanism, indenting the strip adjacent parts having non-light and lesser light reflecting surfaces by control of the electrical, light sensitive mechanism, cutting articles from said strip, and separating the articles in accordance with light reflecting and nonlight reflecting surface conditions of the strip from which vthey are cut as indicated, during the cutting operation by the indentations.

4. A method of manufacturing articles from continuous or strip tin plate having perfect and imperfect portions which comprises, automatically indexing said sheet material to distinguish between the said perfect and the said imperfect portions and thereafter separating the sheet into portions and automatically removing the defective portions of the sheet material while using the remainder thereof in the ordinary line of manufacture.

5. An apparatus for sorting articles to be cut from strip stock in accordance vwith the condition of the surface thereof, comprising in combination, feeding devices for advancing the strip along a predetermined path, detecting means for detecting imperfections in the surface of the said strip during its passage along said path, means for indenting said strip adjacent such surface imperfections, cutting members for removing articles from said strip, and means actuated by said indentations for selectively segregating the articleis cut from imperfect surface parts of said s r p.

6. An apparatus for sortingl articles to be cut from strip stock, comprising in combination, means directing a focussed light beam on a surface of the strip, means controlled by the reflection of the light beam for marking and thereby indicating on the strip areas having relatively poor light reflecting surfaces, cutting members for removing portions of the strip for the formation of articles, and means for collecting in one place the cut portions removed from the poor light reflecting parts of the strip and in another place the cut portions removed from the good light reflecting parts as determined by the indicating marks on the strip.

'7. An apparatus for sorting articles to be cut from strip stock, comprising in combination, feeding devices for advancing a strip through a beam of light, means operable by variations in the strength of light'reflected from the surface of the strip for impressing indentations in the strip adjacent non-reflecting areas thereof, cutting members for removing articles from the strip, a discharge chute for the cut articles, and means actuated by said indentations for selectively positioning said discharge chute to deliver into different places of deposit the articles cut from the strip adjacent its reflecting and its non-reflecting surfaces.

8. An apparatus for sorting articles to be cut from strip stock, comprising in combination, feeding devices for continuously advancing a strip through a beam of light, means operable by variations in the strength of light reflected from the surface of the strip for impressing indentations in the strip adjacent non-reflecting areas thereof, cutting members for removing portions of the strip, feeding devices for intermittently moving the strip into said cutting members, and means actuated by said indentations for selectively segregating the cut portions of the strip containing the non-reflecting areas.

9. An apparatus for indexingstrip stock for sorting articles to be cut from the strip, comprising in combination, feeding devices for advancing the strip through the machine, means extending along a line transverse to said motion for responding to light reflected from a surface of said strip, a source of illumination extending parallel to said light responding means, indenting instrumentalities for impressing indentations along one edge of said strip, and electrical means interposed between said light responding means and said instrumentalities for actuating the latter during diminution of said reflected light.

10. An apparatus for indexing strip stock for sorting articles to be cut from the strip, comprising in combination, a photo-sensitive cell, a source of light, feeding devices for causing the strip to pass adjacent said cell and to reflect said light thereon, means responsive to a change in the illumination of the cell for impressing indentations `insaid strip. and meansfor interrupting the operation of said indenting means.

11. An apparatus for sorting articles to be cut from strip stock, comprising in combination, a

photo-sensitive cell, a source of iight. feeding devices for causing the stripto pass adjacent said cell and to reflect said light thereon, means responsive to a change in the illumination of the cell for impressing indentations in said strip, cutting members for removing articles from the strip. and means actuated by said indentations for selcctively segregating the articles cut from the strip adjacent said indentations.

l2. An apparatus for sorting articles to be cut from strip stock, comprising in combination, a photo-sensitive cell, a source of light, feeding devices for causing the strip to pass adjacent said cell and to reflect said light thereon, means responsive to a change in the illumination of the cell for impressing indentations in said strip, cutting members for removing articles one at a time from the strip, a discharge chute, means con,

trolled by said indentations for shifting said chute in one discharge position for separating the articles cut from the strip adjacent said indentations from the other cut articles and means for holding said chute in said shifted position throughout a predetermined number of cutting operations.

13. An apparatus for sorting articles to be cut from strip stock having surface imperfections indicated by indentations, comprising in combination, cutting members for removing portions of the strip for the formation of articles, a discharge chute, and means operable by said indentations lfor selectively positioning said chute to separate for further advancing said strip along a second 2, predetermined path, cutting members located adjacent said second path for. removing articles from said strip, means actuated by said indentations for selectively segregating the articles cut from imperfect parts of said strip, and actuating 2.'

means for said primary and said secondary feeding devices for operating the same in synchronism.

' e l WILLIAM PECHY. 

